15 Common Things that are 5 Inches Long
Ever wondered just how long 5 inches is? It’s a length that pops up more often than you think, whether you’re working on a home project, organizing a drawer, or just satisfying curiosity. Getting a clear picture of 5 inches can make everyday estimating easier.
What do you mean by 5 Inches long?
5 inches is equal to 12.7 centimeters(cm).
Five inches is a small yet practical measurement commonly used in the U.S. It’s longer than most people expect; think bigger than a sticky note but smaller than a full sheet of paper. It’s useful for measuring medium-sized items or small spaces.
How long is 5 Inches visually?
Picture the height of a playing card stacked on top of itself twice, or the length of a medium-sized smartphone. It’s about 40% of a standard ruler, which helps if you’re trying to guess the length without pulling out a measuring tape.
How can it be measured 5 Inches without a ruler?
Use familiar objects like a ballpoint pen, a toothbrush, or the length of an index card. These are usually around 5 inches and can be super handy for estimating when you don’t have measuring tools on hand.
| Unit of Measurement | Equivalent to 5 Inches |
| Inches | Base unit |
| Feet | 5 inches is just under ½ a foot |
| Yards | About 1/7 of a yard |
| Centimeters | Around 12.7 cm |
| Meters | About 0.127 meters |
| Millimeters | Equals 127 mm |
15 Things Equal to 5 Inches: List of Random Things
After conducting, I found that there are 15 things that are approximately 5 inches long.
- A standard toothbrush
- A kitchen teaspoon handle
- A folded dollar bill (lengthwise)
- A deck of playing cards
- A sunglasses arm
- A car key fob
- A small TV remote
- A travel-size lotion bottle
- A passport’s height
- A highlighter pen
- A small wrench
- A pocket comb
- A popsicle stick
- A pocket-sized notebook
- A smartphone charger cable (folded)
A Standard Toothbrush
Whenever I think of 5 inches, I picture my toothbrush. It’s something I use every day without even realizing it’s a pretty decent size reference. If you’re in the bathroom and need a quick estimate, that brush does the trick.
A Kitchen Teaspoon Handle
You’ve probably never measured your spoon, but the handle alone is usually around 5 inches. It’s just long enough to stir something in a tall cup. Honestly, it’s helped me eyeball measurements when I couldn’t find a ruler.
A Folded Dollar Bill (Lengthwise)
I once folded a dollar bill the long way just to measure something, and guess what? It came out to about 4.5 inches long; not quite the full 5, but close enough. If you ever need a quick reference, a dollar bill can actually save the day.
A Deck of Playing Cards
Stack up a deck of regular playing cards, and you’ll see it’s about 5 inches tall. I found this out during a game night when someone randomly asked about it. Now I can’t unsee it as a way to measure things.
A Sunglasses Arm
Next time you open your sunglasses, take a look at the arm; it’s usually close to Five inches. I once used mine to figure out spacing for wall hooks. Didn’t think it’d be useful for that, but hey, it worked.
A Car Key Fob
Car key fobs are typically about five inches long. I noticed this one day when I was fiddling with mine and needed something for scale. Now I use it as a handy reference for small measurements in a pinch.
A Small TV Remote
Ever grabbed your TV remote and thought, “Wow, this is the perfect size”? A small remote usually measures around 5 to 5.5 inches. It’s compact but not too small, making it a great go-to for quick size estimates.
A Travel-Size Lotion Bottle
I don’t think it ever hit me until I was packing for a trip, but those tiny lotion bottles are usually about 5 inches. It’s one of those things you see all the time but never think about until you need a quick measure.
A Passport’s Height
When I travel, I notice how perfectly 5 inches fits the height of a passport. It’s small enough to fit in my hand but not too tiny to be hard to find in a bag. Definitely a solid reference point when I need to measure something on the go.
A Highlighter Pen
A highlighter is typically around 5 inches long, although some can be 6 inches in length. I use them all the time and didn’t realize how handy that size was until I needed something to compare it against while working on a project.
A Small Wrench
Those small, adjustable wrenches you keep in the toolbox? Yeah, they’re usually around 5 inches. I always forget how compact they are until I need one to get into tight spots in a DIY project. It’s a perfect size when you’re working with small parts.
A Pocket Comb
I didn’t really notice until I grabbed one out of my bag, but a pocket comb is typically about 5 inches. Perfect for quick grooming, but also great as a reference for small measurements when you don’t have a ruler nearby.
A Popsicle Stick
Remember those little popsicle sticks from your childhood? They’re around 5 inches long. It’s kind of funny to think of them as a measuring tool, but they actually work great for that purpose when you’re in a pinch.
A Pocket-sized Notebook
My pocket-sized notebook is about 5 inches tall, and it’s just the right size for jotting down notes on the go. It’s different from the stocky sticky notes that come in 3 inches. I didn’t realize how handy it was for sizing things up until I needed a quick reference.
A Smartphone Charger Cable (folded)
When you fold up a smartphone charger cable, it often comes out to about 5 inches. I usually roll mine up to keep it organized, and now I realize it’s an excellent, compact measuring tool too.
A Small Nail File
I always have a nail file in my bag, and it’s typically about 5 inches long. I didn’t think much of it until I needed a quick reference while traveling. It’s surprisingly handy as a makeshift measure for small things.
Common Misconceptions About Item Measurements
It’s easy to assume something is 5 inches when it’s actually longer or shorter. A lot of items seem close, but being off by even an inch matters when space is limited. Getting familiar with the feel of 5 inches helps avoid mix-ups.
How to measure 5 Inches at Home without Tools?
You can use an index card, a toothbrush, or even a small pen to eyeball 5 inches at home. These everyday objects are super helpful for estimating size without breaking out the measuring tape.
How to measure 5 Inches while traveling without Tools?
While traveling, grab your toothbrush, charger, or a mini remote to get a rough idea of 5 inches. These compact items are easy to carry and useful when measuring on the go.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what 5 inches looks like can make organizing, packing, or crafting easier. With a little practice using common items, you’ll get better at visual estimation; no ruler required.
FAQs
How big is 5 inches in centimeters?
Five inches is equal to 12.7 cm, about the length of an index card.
Can I measure 5 inches without a ruler?
Absolutely. Items like a pen, a small spatula, or a toothbrush are perfect stand-ins.
Is 5 inches more than 10 cm?
Yes, 5 inches is about 12.7 cm, which is longer than 10 cm.
What everyday items are 5 inches long?
Things like soap bars, mini notebooks, or a ballpoint pen are typically around 5 inches.
Why does it help to know how long 5 inches is?
It helps with everyday tasks like arranging items, estimating space, or even buying the right storage bins.
